An unexpected and sudden cramping of muscles is quite painful. Those who work very hard in hot weather conditions are likely to get it. Most forms of leg cramps are not harmful. Through remedies at home, such discomforts can be eased and managed. Of the various muscles of the leg, calf muscle is more likely to get affected by cramps. These painful spells may not last more than a few seconds; at times, they may persist for 1 or 2 minutes. But what is the best magnesium for leg cramps? It is of use to know more.
Most forms of cramps – especially, leg cramps – may go away without a treatment plan. If you are applying too much of stress on to a leg muscle – by either working out or exercising – you tend to get leg cramps. In some people, dehydration may cause cramping; in a few individuals, holding on-to a posture for long can trigger leg cramps.
Leg cramps are largely harmless conditions. A few of them may be due to not getting ample amount of blood to your legs, compression of nerves of your legs and may also be due to an insufficient supply of essential minerals. When you work out for several hours, it can narrow blood vessels of your legs. This action may lead to cramps; but you may find relief once you stop exercising.
When your nerves – of your spinal column – are compressed, it may trigger cramping of leg muscles. Simple activities like walking can turn into an excruciatingly painful thing to do. Bending your posture while walking – similar to pushing shop-cart in a shopping center – can help minimise cramps.
If your pain – due to leg cramps – is causing acute pains or if your leg has swollen, it is recommended to see a treating doctor. If you get leg-cramps more frequently, these spells may weaken your tissues as well as muscles.
Best magnesium for leg cramps and sleep
Meds taken for handling high blood pressure i.e., hypertension can cause excessive discharge of urine. Drugs belonging to a genre called diuretics are known to cause this effect. When more fluids get out of your system, it may get rid of essential minerals as well. Not having ample amounts of minerals – such as magnesium, calcium and / or potassium – may cause leg cramps.
Magnesium is one of the most common minerals your body has. This mineral helps streamline how your system works. Magnesium is also associated with muscular movements and wellbeing of your nervous system.
What type of magnesium is best for leg cramps?
Magnesium is available in many forms – namely, magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium citrate, etc. But if leg cramps are showing up due to inadequate supply of potassium, calcium and other such nutrients, intake of magnesium supplements may not be of much help.
Also, studies done on magnesium citrate and magnesium sulfate were seen to be no-better-than placebo-drugs. Effects of these supplements did not do much to reduce severity of cramps nor decrease the duration. Magnesium supplements hence may not work for all people with leg-cramps.
The good news is: magnesium is relatively cheaper than other capsules – like say, calcium, potassium, etc. There are also some studies that have evidenced the benefits of taking magnesium for muscular conditions like cramps.
A few home-based remedies are available for treating leg cramps. You can try stretches like standing on toes on a flat and firm floor. You may also pull back your toes – i.e., toward the head-side – till cramping ceases.
In some cases, applying a heat-pad or a cold compress can help. You are also advised to drink ample amount of water; this helps in avoiding dehydration. You may try massaging the area that has witnessed cramping. In order to have more details about what type of magnesium is best for leg cramps, you are advised to consult with a caregiver.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Austin. Experience: 8 years of writing experience focusing on fitness, strength training, and cardiovascular health for multiple online fitness magazines and blogs.
